Generally Accepted Generally Accepted Agricultural and Agricultural and

Management PracticesManagement Practices

for Irrigation for Irrigation Water UseWater UseNote to Presenters: Handout material for

this presentation is “ Irrigation Water Use GAAMP” Available from MDA at http://www.michigan.gov/mda search for Irrigation GAAMPs

MSU Extension Educators, Dr. Tom Fernadas, Bruce MacKellar, Steve Miller, Lyndon Kelley other Irrigation GAAMPs taskforce member maybe able to answer questions or present this material if needed.

Generally Accepted Generally Accepted Agricultural and Agricultural and

Management PracticesManagement Practices

for Irrigation for Irrigation Water UseWater Use

“2007 updates”“2007 updates”December 2007

What do we use the What do we use the Irrigation Water Use Irrigation Water Use

GAAMPs for ?GAAMPs for ? Sets the standard Right to Farm Sets the standard Right to Farm

complaints in the irrigation water complaints in the irrigation water use area will be evaluated against.use area will be evaluated against.

Right to Farm Act is Nuisance law Right to Farm Act is Nuisance law suit protecting for agriculture. suit protecting for agriculture.

Farmer are granted this protection if Farmer are granted this protection if they are following generally they are following generally accepted agricultural management accepted agricultural management practices.practices.

What do we use the What do we use the Irrigation Water Use Irrigation Water Use

GAAMPs for ?GAAMPs for ? Irrigation water use GAAMPs are Irrigation water use GAAMPs are

sited as a qualifier for agricultural sited as a qualifier for agricultural related large volume water use related large volume water use complaints.complaints.

Irrigation water use GAAMPs are the Irrigation water use GAAMPs are the core of the irrigation water use plan core of the irrigation water use plan that large volume water user file as that large volume water user file as part of the water use reporting part of the water use reporting system.system.

Draft up for public comment through Draft up for public comment through December 17December 17thth. (MDA Website, GAAMPs). (MDA Website, GAAMPs)

Written comments can be mailed or filed Written comments can be mailed or filed electronically through the MDA website.electronically through the MDA website.

Public comment meeting 1:00 December Public comment meeting 1:00 December 1717th th at State Libraryat State Library

Generally Accepted Generally Accepted Agricultural and Agricultural and

Management PracticesManagement Practices

for Irrigation for Irrigation Water UseWater Use

Irrigation GAAMP Task Irrigation GAAMP Task ForceForce

ClimatologyClimatology Jeff AndresenJeff Andresen Environmental InterestsEnvironmental Interests Farm BureauFarm Bureau Scott PiggottScott Piggott Vegetable Industry Vegetable Industry Dave SmithDave Smith Great Lakes and WRCGreat Lakes and WRC Fred Fred

HenningsenHenningsen MSU Extension MSU Extension Lyndon KelleyLyndon Kelley Groundwater HydrologyGroundwater Hydrology David LuschDavid Lusch MDAMDA Mike GreggMike Gregg MDEQMDEQ Ron Van TilRon Van Til

Irrigation GAAMP Task Irrigation GAAMP Task ForceForce

Nursery InterestsNursery Interests Dr. Tom Dr. Tom FernadasFernadas

MSU Greenhouse AOE Tom DudekMSU Greenhouse AOE Tom Dudek MSU Nursery AOE MSU Nursery AOE Dean KropcoftDean Kropcoft NRCSNRCS John BarclayJohn Barclay NRCSNRCS Steve DavisSteve Davis Potato Industry Comm.Potato Industry Comm. Ben KudwaBen Kudwa SW MI Seed GrowersSW MI Seed Growers Ben RussellBen Russell USGSUSGS Jim NicholasJim Nicholas MSU Vegetable AOE MSU Vegetable AOE Ron GoldyRon Goldy MSU Field Crops AOE Bruce MSU Field Crops AOE Bruce

MacKellarMacKellar MSU Agriculture Eng. Steve Miller MSU Agriculture Eng. Steve Miller

GAAMP Document in GAAMP Document in Three SectionsThree Sections

I. IntroductionI. Introduction StewardshipStewardship DO NOT ESTABLISH LEGAL CRITERIA to resolve water use DO NOT ESTABLISH LEGAL CRITERIA to resolve water use

conflicts conflicts DO NOT CONFER PRIORITY RIGHTS to water useDO NOT CONFER PRIORITY RIGHTS to water use

II. The 25 GAAMPSII. The 25 GAAMPS System Management................................................ 2 Record Keeping........................................................ 4 Irrigation Scheduling................................................ 5 Application Practices ............................................... 9 Additional Reasons to Irrigate............................. 10 Practical Considerations......................................... 12

GAAMP Document in GAAMP Document in Three SectionsThree Sections

III Background – Information and III Background – Information and educationeducation Irrigation in MichiganIrrigation in Michigan Relation to other GAAMPsRelation to other GAAMPs Michigan Water Law related to Michigan Water Law related to

IrrigationIrrigation Planning and Preparation for IrrigationPlanning and Preparation for Irrigation

Introduction – Introduction – StewardshipStewardship Stewardship of the water resource quantityStewardship of the water resource quantity

Irrigators are to use water as efficiently as possible while Irrigators are to use water as efficiently as possible while providing the crop/landscape water needsproviding the crop/landscape water needs

Avoid over irrigationAvoid over irrigation Stewardship of the water qualityStewardship of the water quality

Irrigation without deep percolation or runoffIrrigation without deep percolation or runoff Stewardship of the soilStewardship of the soil

Use management practices to maintain the soil infiltration Use management practices to maintain the soil infiltration characteristics and increase organic matter content to characteristics and increase organic matter content to increase water holding capacityincrease water holding capacity

Stewardship of the crop – sustain plant developmentStewardship of the crop – sustain plant development Stewardship of the Agricultural sector of the Stewardship of the Agricultural sector of the

economyeconomy

Management GAAMPsManagement GAAMPs 1. Determine water applications accurately1. Determine water applications accurately

Totalizing flow meter and known area of coverageTotalizing flow meter and known area of coverage Calibrated sprinkler package and system speedCalibrated sprinkler package and system speed Numerous rain gauges in the fieldNumerous rain gauges in the field

2. Monitor pumping plant efficiency – 2. Monitor pumping plant efficiency – Moved Moved to recommendationsto recommendations Maintain the desired flow and pressureMaintain the desired flow and pressure Monitor system pressure Monitor system pressure System flow is uniquely related to system System flow is uniquely related to system

pressurepressure

Management GAAMPs Management GAAMPs (con”t)(con”t)

3. Evaluate the irrigation system 3. Evaluate the irrigation system uniformityuniformity To know what it is applying and how To know what it is applying and how

uniformlyuniformly Periodically – every few (5-8) years or when Periodically – every few (5-8) years or when

something is changedsomething is changed Evaluate according to a standardEvaluate according to a standard

NRCS handbook – Pivot run with catch cans NRCS handbook – Pivot run with catch cans spaced 15-30 ft.spaced 15-30 ft.

ASAE standards (436.1) – Pivot run with cans ASAE standards (436.1) – Pivot run with cans spaced 10 – 17 ft (3-5 m) spaced 10 – 17 ft (3-5 m)

Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Michigan Groundwater Stewardship TechniciansTechnicians

MSU Extension trainings for producersMSU Extension trainings for producers Private consultantsPrivate consultants

Irrigation System Uniformity -Irrigation System Uniformity -Options Options

Catch Can Volume (ml)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600

Distance from Pivot (ft)

Can

Volu

me (

ml)

Catch Can Volume (ml)

Tower 1

Tower 3

Tower 5

Tower 7 Tower

8

Sprinkler overlap with end gun

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/stjoseph/anr/anr.htm

Management GAAMPs Management GAAMPs (con’t)(con’t)

4. Maintain the irrigation system in 4. Maintain the irrigation system in good good conditioncondition Mostly means have a detailed look at the Mostly means have a detailed look at the

machine machine Sprinklers rotating properly, nozzles not Sprinklers rotating properly, nozzles not

worn or blown outworn or blown out Proper pressures at the nozzlesProper pressures at the nozzles Pipes free from leaksPipes free from leaks Inspect regularly and document inspectionsInspect regularly and document inspections

Beginning of irrigation seasonBeginning of irrigation season During the seasonDuring the season

Management GAAMPs Management GAAMPs (con”t)(con”t)

5. Operate to minimize drift and off target 5. Operate to minimize drift and off target applicationsapplications

Don’t water the roads or the neighbor’s houseDon’t water the roads or the neighbor’s house Avoid operation in high winds where possibleAvoid operation in high winds where possible Be sure stops and auto-switches are working properlyBe sure stops and auto-switches are working properly

6. Ensure that irrigation system output does not 6. Ensure that irrigation system output does not greatly exceed the infiltration rate of the soil or greatly exceed the infiltration rate of the soil or substrate.substrate.

Goal is to avoid runoff or run-onGoal is to avoid runoff or run-on An initial design issueAn initial design issue Runoff can sometimes be managed by reducing application Runoff can sometimes be managed by reducing application

amount or changes tillage practices amount or changes tillage practices In nursery systems, manage runoff by recycling or proper In nursery systems, manage runoff by recycling or proper

disposaldisposal

Management GAAMPs Management GAAMPs (con”t)(con”t)

7. 7. Provide noise control for Provide noise control for engine driven pumping units.engine driven pumping units.

Internal Combustion engines Internal Combustion engines running pumping plants or running pumping plants or generatorsgenerators

MufflersMufflers Sound bafflesSound baffles Carefully chosen locationCarefully chosen location

Provide noise control for Provide noise control for engine driven pumping units.engine driven pumping units.

2.3 Irrigation Management Practices

Noise control provided when needed.

Record KeepingRecord Keeping 8. 8. Records should conform to the Records should conform to the

requirements of the Michigan Water Use requirements of the Michigan Water Use Reporting laws and regulations. Reporting laws and regulations.

9. Keep records on all system inspections and 9. Keep records on all system inspections and repairs that influence uniformity and leaks. repairs that influence uniformity and leaks.

10. Maintain records of regularly calibrated 10. Maintain records of regularly calibrated fertigation and chemigation equipment, if fertigation and chemigation equipment, if used. used.

11. Keep records of the results each time the 11. Keep records of the results each time the irrigation system uniformity is evaluated. irrigation system uniformity is evaluated.

Irrigation SchedulingIrrigation Scheduling

Scheduling is determining when to Scheduling is determining when to irrigate and how much water to irrigate and how much water to applyapply Everyone schedules!!Everyone schedules!! Scientific methods involve treating the Scientific methods involve treating the

soil as a reservoir for plant water and soil as a reservoir for plant water and maintaining the reservoir within an maintaining the reservoir within an acceptable range for plant useacceptable range for plant use

Irrigation SchedulingIrrigation Scheduling

12. 12. Avoid applying irrigation Avoid applying irrigation water in excess of the quantity water in excess of the quantity of water needed to replace the of water needed to replace the soil/substrate moisture deficit.soil/substrate moisture deficit.

Irrigation SchedulingIrrigation Scheduling

13. Know the available water for 13. Know the available water for each unit scheduledeach unit scheduled. .

AWC is the difference between the soil AWC is the difference between the soil water content at the drained upper water content at the drained upper limit (“Field Capacity”) and the limit (“Field Capacity”) and the content at which plants permanently content at which plants permanently wilt.wilt.

Data available from NRCSData available from NRCS Usual range is .07 -- .15 inches of water Usual range is .07 -- .15 inches of water

per inch of soil or 0.8 – 1.8 inches per per inch of soil or 0.8 – 1.8 inches per foot.foot.

Irrigation SchedulingIrrigation Scheduling 14. Know the depth of rooting for each crop 14. Know the depth of rooting for each crop

irrigatedirrigated 15. 15. Use container capacity in scheduling Use container capacity in scheduling

irrigation for container grown crops.irrigation for container grown crops. Typical container substrate capacity ranges 45 – 60% Typical container substrate capacity ranges 45 – 60%

by volumeby volume 16. Know the allowable depletion of each crop 16. Know the allowable depletion of each crop

and stage of growthand stage of growth The allowable water depletion is less than the total The allowable water depletion is less than the total

available water – usually 40 – 60% of total, depending available water – usually 40 – 60% of total, depending on the crop and stage of growthon the crop and stage of growth

Container depletion may be 25 – 35% of container Container depletion may be 25 – 35% of container volumevolume

Irrigation SchedulingIrrigation Scheduling 17. 17. Measure, estimate, or use published Measure, estimate, or use published

evapotranspiration data and crop co-evapotranspiration data and crop co-efficients (when available) to determine efficients (when available) to determine crop water use.crop water use.

For some crops, you may wish to consult an For some crops, you may wish to consult an irrigation specialist for assistance. irrigation specialist for assistance. Measure soil moisture statusMeasure soil moisture status Estimate using weather data (MAWN)Estimate using weather data (MAWN) Use published information (off the web) Use published information (off the web) Even with good estimates, field checks are Even with good estimates, field checks are

neededneeded

18. Measure rainfall in the field18. Measure rainfall in the field

Irrigation Scheduling Irrigation Scheduling Checkbook MethodCheckbook Method

Other Reasons to IrrigateOther Reasons to Irrigate 19. Other needs for irrigation19. Other needs for irrigation

Frost protectionFrost protection Seed germinationSeed germination Herbicide activationHerbicide activation Reduce diseaseReduce disease Establishment of post-harvest cover cropsEstablishment of post-harvest cover crops Control of wind erosion in small and emerging cropsControl of wind erosion in small and emerging crops Post-harvest maintenance of ornamentalsPost-harvest maintenance of ornamentals Provision of proper conditions for harvesting (root) Provision of proper conditions for harvesting (root)

cropscrops ChemigationChemigation Crop cooling in special cases with fruit cropsCrop cooling in special cases with fruit crops Establishment and maintenance of a water table for sub-Establishment and maintenance of a water table for sub-

irrigation irrigation

Application PracticesApplication Practices(to avoid leaching)(to avoid leaching)

20. 20. ChooseChoose irrigation application amounts irrigation application amounts that will avoidthat will avoid surface runoff under surface runoff under sprinkler irrigation.sprinkler irrigation.

Depends on soil type and system application Depends on soil type and system application raterate Runoff and run-on can cause nonuniform Runoff and run-on can cause nonuniform

application and leachingapplication and leaching In container culture, manage runoff that may occurIn container culture, manage runoff that may occur

21. 21. Assure that sprinkler application Assure that sprinkler application rates are below the soil infiltration rate in rates are below the soil infiltration rate in order to prevent runoff and accumulation order to prevent runoff and accumulation of water in lower areas, which may result of water in lower areas, which may result in excess infiltration and leaching.in excess infiltration and leaching.

Preventing Irrigation Preventing Irrigation RunoffRunoff

(comparing irrigation application rate (comparing irrigation application rate to soil infiltration rate and amount to soil infiltration rate and amount

applied)applied)

Application PracticesApplication Practices

22. 22. When irrigation is used, split When irrigation is used, split application of nitrogen fertilizer or application of nitrogen fertilizer or use controlled release fertilizers.use controlled release fertilizers. Goal is to avoid excess nitrogen leachingGoal is to avoid excess nitrogen leaching Rainfall right after irrigation can cause over filling Rainfall right after irrigation can cause over filling

of the soil water holding capacity and deep of the soil water holding capacity and deep percolation which may leach excess nitrogen in the percolation which may leach excess nitrogen in the profileprofile

23. 23. Incorporate appropriate backflow-Incorporate appropriate backflow-prevention safety devices if a chemigation prevention safety devices if a chemigation system is used.system is used.

Are appropriate backflow Are appropriate backflow prevention devices in place and prevention devices in place and properly maintained if fertigation properly maintained if fertigation or chemigation is used?or chemigation is used?

2.9 Irrigation Management Practices

Backflow prevention safety devices are used and properly maintained if fertigation or chemigation are used.

Background SectionBackground Section

This section is information and This section is information and education, education, not accepted agricultural not accepted agricultural and management practicesand management practices

Divisions within the sectionDivisions within the section Irrigation in MichiganIrrigation in Michigan Relation to other GAAMPsRelation to other GAAMPs Michigan Water Law related to IrrigationMichigan Water Law related to Irrigation Planning and Preparation for IrrigationPlanning and Preparation for Irrigation

Irrigation in MichiganIrrigation in Michigan Importance of Irrigation nationally and in Importance of Irrigation nationally and in

Michigan – used with higher value cropsMichigan – used with higher value crops Goal of irrigation is to minimize moisture stress Goal of irrigation is to minimize moisture stress

and and maximize crop quality while minimizing the maximize crop quality while minimizing the effect on the environment and water resourceseffect on the environment and water resources

Michigan is water rich, but is the driest state east Michigan is water rich, but is the driest state east of the Mississippi during July and Augustof the Mississippi during July and August

Water is available to replenish aquifers and Water is available to replenish aquifers and supply rivers and lakes during other parts of the supply rivers and lakes during other parts of the yearyear

The GAAMPs The GAAMPs do not establish legal criteria to do not establish legal criteria to resolve water use conflicts or confer priority resolve water use conflicts or confer priority rights to water userights to water use

Irrigation in Michigan Irrigation in Michigan (con’t)(con’t)

Irrigation replaces water used by Irrigation replaces water used by plantsplants

Plants use water primarily for coolingPlants use water primarily for cooling Certain high value crops would not be Certain high value crops would not be

grown in Michigan without irrigationgrown in Michigan without irrigation High value crops provide added High value crops provide added

income in communitiesincome in communities Access to irrigation water is key to Access to irrigation water is key to

high value crop production and the high value crop production and the ripple effect on the economyripple effect on the economy

Relation to Other Relation to Other GAAMPSGAAMPS

Manure Management GAAMPs recognize Manure Management GAAMPs recognize irrigation as a method of land applicationirrigation as a method of land application

Nutrient Management GAAMPs recommendsNutrient Management GAAMPs recommends Don’t irrigate to completely fill the soil reservoirDon’t irrigate to completely fill the soil reservoir Use multiple applications of N-fertilizerUse multiple applications of N-fertilizer Recognizes fertigation offers special advantages Recognizes fertigation offers special advantages Special care when irrigating container grown Special care when irrigating container grown

plants to avoid leaching and runoffplants to avoid leaching and runoff Pesticide Utilization GAAMPsPesticide Utilization GAAMPs

Recognizes chemigation as an accepted practiceRecognizes chemigation as an accepted practice Recommends safety measures including backflow Recommends safety measures including backflow

prevention devicesprevention devices

Water Law and Ag Water Water Law and Ag Water UseUse

Points out that P.A.83 of 1981 (the Points out that P.A.83 of 1981 (the Right to Farm Act) provides farmers Right to Farm Act) provides farmers who follow GAAMPs with limited who follow GAAMPs with limited protection from nuisance suites.protection from nuisance suites.

Adherence to the Water Use Adherence to the Water Use GAAMPs does not provide a GAAMPs does not provide a complete barrier against lawsuits.complete barrier against lawsuits.

Recommends that water users who Recommends that water users who are concerned about their rights, are concerned about their rights, consult MSUE, NRCS, MDA, MDEQ, consult MSUE, NRCS, MDA, MDEQ, or an attorney versed in water lawor an attorney versed in water law

Planning and Planning and Preparation for Preparation for

IrrigationIrrigation Water SupplyWater Supply

Plan to keep up with a water use of 0.25 Plan to keep up with a water use of 0.25 in/day (approximately 5 gpm per acre)in/day (approximately 5 gpm per acre)

Some streams, lakes and wetlands may Some streams, lakes and wetlands may be sensitive to large withdrawalsbe sensitive to large withdrawals

Groundwater removed for irrigation Groundwater removed for irrigation may reduce flow to these surface water may reduce flow to these surface water bodiesbodies

Planning and Planning and Preparation for Preparation for

IrrigationIrrigation Aquifer monitoringAquifer monitoring Seek information before drilling to determine adequacy of Seek information before drilling to determine adequacy of

the sourcethe source In areas where there is known potential for impacting other In areas where there is known potential for impacting other

wells, consider using monitoring wellswells, consider using monitoring wells Drill and pump a test well before installing a production wellDrill and pump a test well before installing a production well Monitor levels in your irrigation wellMonitor levels in your irrigation well

To determine the effect on the aquiferTo determine the effect on the aquifer To determine need for maintenanceTo determine need for maintenance

Irrigation wells should be set up for monitoring the water Irrigation wells should be set up for monitoring the water levellevel

Recommend three measurements per yearRecommend three measurements per year Before the irrigation season Before the irrigation season In mid-season, both static and dynamic levelsIn mid-season, both static and dynamic levels After the end of the seasonAfter the end of the season

Keep records on these measurementsKeep records on these measurements

Questions and Questions and Discussion?Discussion?